A veteran sailor recounts bluewater challenge

One of Australia's greatest races, the Sydney to Hobart is a challenging and dangerous, but ultimately rewarding, experience, writes sailor Rupert Guinness.

The national event, which begins the day after Christmas, is a 628-nautical-mile journey across open seas with weather conditions both hazardous and challenging - yet satisfying when all goes to plan. It is little wonder skippers say you have to reach the finish before you can think about winning.